Russia’s propaganda war on Germany and the West Sputnik News, a Russian, international, multimedia news agency operating out of Moscow, published an article in Germany on March 5, 2016 about a German street artist in Dortmund who was forced to take down a painting that was considered “insensitive” to the ethnic groups in the area[1]. […]

The Syrian conflict holds severe long term threats for the United States and its allies. While the most dangerous of these threats may not reveal themselves for years, the fruits of the conflict are already evident in the growth of organizations such as the Islamic State. As foreign fighters from across the world gain combat experience and build personal relationships in Syria, they expand a global network of terrorists and terrorist sympathizers. These individuals will greatly increase the capability of terrorist organizations to conduct operations in countries around the world, especially as they return home.

Moscow simply will not tolerate a Ukrainian government that is not at least somewhat malleable to Russia’s interests. If Ukraine cooperates with Russia, it is certain that the eastern revolts will fade with time. If Ukraine spites its larger neighbor, the chaos will continue. By feeding the unrest, Moscow manages to keep a hook in Kiev’s mouth, allowing it to pull their victim in whatsoever direction it so chooses.

American cyber security efforts have been severely restricted. Domestic political pressures like sequestration and the government shutdown have undercut U.S. cyber defenses. Foreign political pressures have also increased in the wake of the Edward Snowden incident. These pressures have left the United States more vulnerable to cyber attacks from both state and non-state actors. If these trends continue, America will face increasingly serious threats from state actors and even more serious threats from terrorist organizations.

Germany has entered a period of navel gazing, limiting the EU’s ability to become a powerful actor on the world stage. Angela Merkel’s recent victory in the German elections reinforced domestic pressures within Germany to remain pacifist. Policy makers should attempt to strengthen ties politically and institutionally with willing EU partners in the short term.